hydroxybutyric acid

hy·drox·y·bu·tyr·ic acid

any of three isomeric acids, CHCH(OH)CHCOOH: the beta isomer is found in the urine of diabetics

hydroxybutyric acid

noun

Any of several organic acids, C4H8O3, that are derivatives of butyric acid. One of these acids, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, is a ketone body that accumulates in the blood and urine when fat is being metabolized.